Co-living homes
Shared kitchen Countertop Zones for Co-living homes
Reserve practical work surfaces for preparation, appliances and serving instead of treating every counter length as interchangeable.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Mark the main preparation point near the sink and frequently used ingredients.
- Group small appliances where outlets and cleaning access are practical.
- Keep serving and cooling space clear of the primary chopping route.
Worked example
A toaster and coffee maker consume the only clear surface beside the sink.
Group appliances at one end near suitable outlets and reserve a separate uninterrupted chopping and serving area.
How to test it
Set out the largest regularly used appliance and a cutting board on the proposed plan.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Separate prep, cooking and washing zones; assign clearly marked personal storage away from shared staples.
- Detail
- Use durable, easy-clean surfaces and task lighting across the full counter run.
- Trade-off
- More individual cupboards improve fairness but reduce space for shared cookware.
- Simulate two people preparing meals
- Check labeling and cleaning access
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